KINGMAKERS: How Indian Merchants Influenced the Rise & Fall of Empires

Indian merchant guilds deserve more attention. For too long, most of the focus of Indian history has been kings, queens, and nobles, revolutionaries and commanders. Merchants have remained on the sidelines.
In this video, we'll go through the history of Indian merchants (as individuals, and as part of merchant guilds) in the subcontinent. From their origin in the Indus Valley Civilization to their role in the expansionary phase of the Chola Empire -- this is a truly fascinating historical narrative.
Hope you enjoy the video!

[@OddCompass]

There are so many incredible examples of Indian merchant guild intervention and influence, that I couldn't even begin to include all of them in the video! If you're interested in the fascinating story of how an Indian merchant became the first king of Cambodia, check out my video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oaG3hoKerqusrNk. And if you're interested in a unique story involving Indian merchant intervention, Southeast Asia, and a European colonial power, check out my video on the "Fall of Malacca" here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqXVhKSlZaycp8k

[@userde3511]

You're back!

[@Cryspio]

Why are u only making videos on india

[@user-hq8wm8giyujcg]

Clear the history in detail of lalit Aaditya muktapida for me pls, did he won till central asia, did he won tibet, did he pushed arabs, was he a chinese vassel? And other north indian and rajput kings around early medieval time like bappa rawal and prithviraj chauhan, and are the literature like prithviraj raso, khuman raso, kanhadade prabandha , rajtarangini are all these mostly accurate and are they from those times or from much later

[@kerycktotebag8164]

happy South Asian Heritage Month 🇮🇳🇵🇰🇧🇩🇱🇰🇦🇫🇳🇵🇧🇹🇲🇻

[@user-hq8wm8giyujcg]

@@kerycktotebag8164 south asia❌ Indian subcontinent (Akhand Bharat) ✅

[@RoudrajitSarkar]

Please Never Stop Making Videos. Your Channel is a Gold Mine for those Who want learn about Indian history beyond Delhi Sultanate, Mughals and British. Please next time make a video on The Tripartite Struggle For Kannauj between Pratiharas, Rastrakutas and Palas.

[@elriolimpio]

@@RoudrajitSarkar he made one of that topic

[@MasterMunjalalSavesta88]

When?​@@elriolimpio

[@elriolimpio]

@@MasterMunjalalSavesta88 he made a video about the rastrakutas, there he speak about the fight for kannauj

[@shubhampadhye7263]

I really like the way you present often neglected aspects of Indian history in a unique and engaging way! I do believe that the history of south and southeast Asia deserves attention just for the fact that it's really fascinating!

[@CherryMid]

Interesting. Keep up the good work on (relatively) obscure Indian history!

[@lazardiwongjogja]

Ever since I knew about 500 Ayyavole's inscriptions in Barus, Aceh, Takuapa, and other SE Asian ports, I always wanted to learn more about these merchant guilds. Received some new insights from here, thank you. Also, the exact reason for Chola's attack on Srivijaya is still debatable, but the piracy/trade disruption is certainly one of the most plausible causes.

[@HikmaHistory]

Another banger! Love the effort to shift the focus from Kings & Generals to more mundane elements of the past!

[@OddCompass]

Thanks Tariq! That was exactly my thinking with this video haha

[@PK-se2jh]

we are only taught the history of mughals Britishers but thanks to this channel I am able to learn so many things about actual Indian history. Please do not stop making videos about native Indians ❤

[@sudharshanve8519]

You know nothing about Mughals either. And I bet you learnt nothing here either.

[@venkatakhileshyanamadala1700]

Dude where you sleeping in history class

[@justjoking9777]

The whole ncrt book of 7th or 8th was about ancient history, were you sleeping in that class

[@siddarth3955]

@@sudharshanve8519just stop meat r/d/ng Mughals like they are your illegitimate ancestors

[@siddarth3955]

@@justjoking9777 yeah, it’s extremely small compared to Mughal history taught

[@divyaakashdutta4038]

Someone please make a movie on "THE 500". It would be such an epic name and would inspire so many new entrepreneurs in the country!

[@bradimi3776]

I’m currently writing a story. It’s not based on The 500, but this guild is a major part of the story since the main character eventually joins the guild as a member once a guild member sees his success in his business and invites him an offer.

[@Dosaskillz]

This is such an awesome video, yet again- the hitmaker in da house! I hope others appreciate the ridiculously high quality and consistency of this channel. The fact that you’re not yet at one million subscribers is criminal. I had no idea about any of this strong influence of merchant guilds in ancient and medieval India! It really is reminiscent of corporate influence over politics today- it’s wild how that hasn’t changed in over 4500 years.

[@varun2250]

Sometimes the Merchant Guilds are so powerful than the Indian Emperors that the Emperor is a namesake medium for the implementation of laws of the Empire. The Merchants used temples as a Socio-economic institution along with its spiritual purpose. They conducted commerce, funded education and military by sponsoring the temple treasury, a bank if you like. If you see Indian temples with ancient golden treasures, that's the Merchant's contribution more than the Emperor.

[@CaptainGeek5]

No contemporary archaeological evidence has ever been found for the existence of Chanakya. The manuscript of the "Arthashastra" discovered at the Oriental Research Institute in Mysore by Rudrapatna Shamasastry in 1905 is a palm-leaf manuscript. It is believed to be a copy from around the 10th to 12th century CE, though some scholars suggest it could be as late as the 13th century CE. Arthashastra was written over a 1000 years after the time when Chanakya is claimed to have lived by the RSS. Entire video is fabricated BRAHMANICAL PROPAGANDA with no actual proof!

[@fernbedek6302]

I'll need to look into the power of the guilds for one book I plan to write...

[@Isotonicdev]

and what such book is that?

[@fernbedek6302]

@@Isotonicdev Somewhat inspired by Inuyasha and other magic-time-travel sort of stories, but with the destination being medieval India (specifically Malwa, for its position on the edge of the Delhi Sultanate).

[@Isotonicdev]

@@fernbedek6302 i haven't read or seen inuyasha but as much as i know about the plot, i think hat's great

[@Sodier402]

@@fernbedek6302 Malwa probably had an active Armenian community too.

[@jaideepsagar7773]

That's amazing man! Can you share some link where we know when your book comes up?

[@rohitdeb6664]

I'd really appreciate it if you could link to some sources for this. It is certainly an aspect of Indian history that doesn't get much prominence, and is increasingly relevant even in current times. Awesome video.

[@OddCompass]

I’ve used a ton of scholarly sources for this video - for awhile now I haven’t added the sources to the description as it caused unnecessary political drama, and most of those who wanted sources simply wanted the “illusion of legitimacy.” But if you are interested, email me and I can share!

[@tanishshrivastava2442]

@@OddCompass I'm also interested in the sources, especially the books you might have used. Can I also email you? (Assuming that I manage to find your email address by digging into the channel.)

[@CaptainGeek5]

No contemporary archaeological evidence has ever been found for the existence of Chanakya. The manuscript of the "Arthashastra" discovered at the Oriental Research Institute in Mysore by Rudrapatna Shamasastry in 1905 is a palm-leaf manuscript. It is believed to be a copy from around the 10th to 12th century CE, though some scholars suggest it could be as late as the 13th century CE. Arthashastra was written over a 1000 years after the time when Chanakya is claimed to have lived by the RSS.

[@CrookedKnight-xl4nn]

@@CaptainGeek5You should publish your findings and get credit for this original research of yours 😂. But, you do realize the palm leaf manuscripts were copied and recopied every hundred years until medieval times because they wear out? It is foolish to suggest he did not exist because the palm leaf manuscripts were dated to a certain period. Many other medieval Indian scholars quote him or refer to him.

[@CaptainGeek5]

​@@CrookedKnight-xl4nn There is already a ton of published academic research and scientific papers supporting my view. Its just the mainstream BRAHMANICAL narrative in media that needs to stop spreading lies. Oral traditions and imaginary deteriorated manuscripts do not meet the standards of empirical evidence required for serious academic discourse. For instance, the name of Ashoka is found on hundreds of 2,000-year-old carvings, rocks, pillars, and coins, yet there is not a single ancient inscription mentioning the fabricated figure of Chanakya.

[@krishna_pandey24]

Real king of indian history is back❣️

[@ravigovind9587]

These Trade Guilds are so powerful and they are the makers and shakers of the country. Their evidences and remains are in China, Indonesia, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam. They not only done the trading but also spread the Hindu and Indian culture to these areas and beyond. In Indo-China countries the written script of their language is old Tamil. We cannot blame Ambanis, Adhanis, Tatas and Birlas for influencing the policies of the government. During the course of human history wealth and power speaks. The Chettiars of Tamil Nadu had their influence in Burma, Malaysia, Singapore and other SE Asian countries. The temples they built in these countries stand as a testimony.

[@ramita1607]

Another incredibly well-done video 🎉 Thank you for consistently delivering the best insights into Indian history. This channel never fails to impress and educate!

[@darshanbhavsar8163]

I have seen all the videos on your channel. Your level of detail in the research , the content, the style of storytelling, the animations everything is on point. Please never stop making such amazing content.

[@risingsun9064]

That's cool, India is the oldest trade and commerce powerhouse, these people were doing amazing things even 5000 years ago!

[@mohitanand1844]

That is the only lesson you guys took from this video ??

[@CrookedKnight-xl4nn]

@@mohitanand1844you want him to write a synopsis? 😂 OP just posted an important fact this video highlights.

[@mohitanand1844]

@@CrookedKnight-xl4nn the lesson was how we are a society has always been controlled by merchants .

[@mohitanand1844]

@@CrookedKnight-xl4nn we are still being controlled by merchants

[@elriolimpio]

Very interesting video!!! Great job!!!! Greetings from Argentina ⭐⭐⭐!!!!

[@otomackena7610]

There are lot of Indian Chitty and Chettiars in South East Asia especially in places like Malaysia.

[@sudharshanve8519]

While main Land didn't. They actually freaking Naatukottai (castle owning) Chettiyars!! 😱😱😱 The north would call them Diwan Seth's. Some even Jagat Seth's.

[@prashanthgowda2673]

They are still in Chikmagalur in Karnataka State, India and they still do the same business!!

[@ЭдгарРожков]

Liking the new topographic map used.

[@mtarkes]

Afterall Chanakya's political compendium is called Arthashastra(The science of gains) and not Rajnitishastra(science of politics)

[@candrealx]

Artha means wealth. It's not just about politics but also about economics

[@AX-fx7ng]

Kama, Artha, ... Moksha. Artha includes resources & politics. Rajya & Commerce go hand in hand.

[@sampathxyz]

Awesome videos! Is there no KZbin membership or Patreon I can join to support this channel?

[@OddCompass]

Thanks for the support! There’s not currently a membership, as I haven’t had the bandwidth to provide perks! But I’ll look into it for sure

[@adityabodas6138]

2:30 So basically, the Electoral Bonds are that old! xD

[@kpshriram]

That doesn’t mean that modi is not a criminal

[@Visakh_S_Nair]

​@@kpshriramI voted for BJP, because of Modi, he is a great leader.

[@kpshriram]

@@Visakh_S_Nair no one cares. Your vote your choice.

[@Visakh_S_Nair]

@@kpshriram damm you understand.

[@kashifrit]

That is the original Chanakya Niti.

[@delusional88]

Another masterclass! We need more videos haha! Out of curiousity, I assume you're doing all of this part time? Is it too early to look at memberships and other forms or monetisation so that you can increase the speed of/scale up video production? Just a random thought from a random fan of course (:

[@OddCompass]

It’s totally part-time! I’ve been expanding the team slowly but there were setbacks in hiring an animator, which caused a month delay this time around. If I can get an animator, and another researcher, the process will get way more efficient!

[@arpan9937]

It's a tragedy that the ASI(Archeological Survey of India) is not even interest nor is the GoI interested in funding over such research matters. None of them care about histroy.

[@siddarth3955]

They can’t even preserve existing archaeological sites

[@RJ-kp6pr]

You should also mention that Indus Valley/Harappan traders also traded with their western neighbors by land. We have examples of Indus trading colonies in the Oxus Civilization.

[@abhishekjoshi8413]

All the deccan politics between chalulyas and cholas was also one of key factors in shaping the 500 guild aihole. These merchant class had people from every caste examples littered across the documents !. Such a great video

[@akshaypathange3582]

how do u even manage time? Back to back meet ups in India. Edit : Loved your Hyderabad meet up!

[@OddCompass]

I am basically a zombie at this point, lol

[@kartikraavi513]

Amazing video dude. Love your videos especially the one on bodhidharma

[@ptptpt123]

Oh, how I wait for your uploads. Most awesome history coverage for the Indian continent.

[@shadowsnake8989]

I have been wanting to learn more about Indian history just out of curiosity and this channel seems like a fine place to do it.

[@coolclouds7055]

wow! just wow. fantastic video. well researched and well presented

[@krazykizzyx]

Indian history is Amazing keep up the good work brother

[@snippetsofbharat]

awesome video. I think adding sources or read more in the description or pinned commeny would be a good addition for interested history buffs

[@artlotus_net]

Absolutely love odd compass videos ❤ thank you for all the research, art and efforts! - a small … suggestion/ watcher feedback🙈 Even though it looks beautiful, For some specs users with astigmatism, The close diagonal lines used for the background along with the changing paper texture make the video quite unwatchable. Especially on bigger screens. Eg: 0:04 , 1:22, 3:11 The dotted background is completely fine (eg: 2:39 ) and I think the more commonly used pattern in previous videos as I’ve never felt any disturbance before. It really does add character and a handmade feel. The thicker, water color-esque diagonal lines again add no disturbance to my ability to engage with the content. Again, thank you so much for the wonderful content. Hope this doesn’t come off as rude, I hope it sounds like a small request from a huge fan, which please do feel free to ignore😂🫰

[@ricardomachado6718]

Greeting form Portugal! love your videos, great work, thanj you for your work!

[@theriam6281]

There are sub-castes among all vaishya communities in North India. I always wondered what they even mean. My assumption is that the sub-caste were actually the name of the guild of which those families were part of.

[@varun2250]

See how fluid the so called Casta system was before the Protestant Colonial English started giving legality on the basis of birth

[@masterhind2036]

Yeah now that I think about it, that seems likely.

[@Kindman496]

​@@varun2250only benefiting upper caste hindu to moleste lower caste hindu and your manusmriti, Mahabharata also tells who to torture and control lower caste hindu Hinduism is evil cult still justify slavery in name of caste system.

[@ikesileth2270]

Hi! Your videos have great production quality and the topics they cover are really interesting. Would you be able to provide a bibliography of some kind in your description or at the end of your videos? Links to sources or further reading would be greatly appreciated

[@kris501]

Your channel deserves more views and I like to see more videos posted, atleast once a month

[@amadeus0123]

Wonderful presentation! Never saw anyone present Indian History from traders' perspective.

[@faisal.baig.]

Amazing video as always!

[@OddCompass]

Wow, thank you for the support, Faisal!

[@maxxedredlineproductions]

Would love to see a video on how Indian merchants controlled trade in Central Asia! I have heard a lot about how they controlled economies in Uzbekistan and Afghanistan. Great video!

[@shubhamdhumal1464]

your videos are too good, they are presented so nicely that it feels excited and a sense of joy to watch these videos. In India history has been presented very boringly in education systems and very less people in India know about it. If your videos were also available in Indian languages especially in hindi it would interest lot of Indians to know and learn more about there history. Thank you

[@TheChintu-il3sq]

Excellent subject, often over looked for long by scholars on ancient capitalits of india haha! Intresting details on Rashtrakutas and Hoysalas, there are many old kannada inscriptions mentions contribution of merchant guilds building temples in karnataka.

[@mayanksingh0044]

Even today the ancient vaishya caste group is the most richest in India. The same cannot be said for the Brahmins in the kshatriya who both combined is 28 % of total vaishya wealth. And I support them fully, India today needs more wealth creators and trade. If my other fellow indian can do it then it would be beneficial for nation at large

[@adhirbose9910]

The Brahmins are usually middle class. Their wealth is intellectual, not monetary. The Kshatriyas have the manpower, and thus political power. The OBCs also have manpower, indeed they make up 40% of the population, so they have the maximum political power. The Vaishayas ( trader's) have the money, that everyone else needs. So they remain in the background, but control everything. The Brahmins are the punching bag, no political or financial clout, but since they are the educated ( intellectual) section of society, they become the convenient scapegoat to blame for all the problems. By all the others. And the lower ( labour) class believe it. Because they need someone to blame for their situation. Villain located!! The Brahmins.

[@nabeelmohammedca]

Are you promoting the caste system? A system that discriminates against the lower caste Hindus.

[@CaptainGeek5]

According to the Manusmriti the Vaishyas occupy a status below the Brahmins and Kshatriyas but slightly above the Shudras. Vaishyas were often required to pay taxes and tributes to the ruling class (Kshatriyas) and support the poor begging Brahmins. This financial burden could be heavy and exploitative, limiting their economic freedom and profitability.

[@CrookedKnight-xl4nn]

@@CaptainGeek5proof? 😂 No government would last if merchants were exploited or overburdened just like today. You are saying things that is completely contradictory to what this well researched video is saying. Don’t be just a ghulam or sepoy, use common sense.

[@CaptainGeek5]

@@CrookedKnight-xl4nn Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 9, Verse 32 मां हि पार्थ व्यपाश्रित्य येऽपि स्यु: पापयोनय: | स्त्रियो वैश्यास्तथा शूद्रास्तेऽपि यान्ति परां गतिम् || 32|| Vaishyas (MERCHANTS), women and Shudras are referred to as "lower" or "sinful" by using the adjective of pāpa-yoni.

[@guptabhishek]

Unbelievable high quailty content. Keep it up, man!

[@tigerdragon7476]

Love your videos dude. There's a a real dearth of quality indian history content on youtube

[@HarshaVardhana-z1r]

Thank you so much. Definitely learnt about a perspective I never thought of in relation to Indian history

[@aadhil__kassim]

This simply great. Not too deep on one area and keeping it simple for even non history invested minds. ❤

[@Alusnovalotus]

I like these videos. They make the loooooong saga of India manageable and fun to watch!!

[@gandaberunda6267]

very underrated and interesting topic covered with ease. Cheers mate!

[@dreamysap]

The First time i have come across a video that even mentioned the Hoysala dynasty and the shettis! Indian history has so much to be explored! Thank you for this.

[@adityabhosale7838]

Really love the work you do. A request to you make a official playlist with all your videos so we can get all videos at one place

[@user-hq8wm8giyujcg]

Video on the history of legendary brihatkatha the ancestor of kathasaritsagar and others. And the 1500 history of panchtantra going all around the world to become first most traveled non religious literature. And video on what is the core nature of indian imagination, fantasy (non real) creation, creation, research and development.

[@bharatavarsha17000]

Let me tell you, Found you a year ago! You've uploaded very few yet very great videos with top notch animations! It's an honour to be your follower! Top notch storytelling, top notch animations... Keep going like this, one video per 3 months, doesn't matter ✌🏻... Do at your own pace! Keep producing world class videos

[@rohitshambhuni9810]

Amazing, as usual! Please upload videos more often! Thank you. 😄

[@h0rn3d_h1st0r1an]

“So what’s your superpower?” Merchant guilds: I’m rich

[@gauravchauhan6707]

What a goldmine of knowledge.

[@noble_sword64]

So when I was a kid I really enjoyed this "Horrible Histories" book series. It talked about history in a fun and engaging way, though it was mostly european history. I would have been SO happy if there had been a series like that for Indian and Asian history in general too. Just an idea for you guys to venture into in the future...keep up the good work!

[@ruthnaswamy4741]

Large amount of trade was also with the Roman Empire, who felt that money was being drained from the Empire. The largest number of Roman artifacts in Asia is found in South India near the city of Madurai, including amphoras for keeping wines and olive oil

[@ShashankRanjan-y4q]

I’m interested learning more about merchant guilds in South Asian History and their influence on the region’s economy and politics. It’s a fascinating subject that does get a lot of attention whereas there is so much research and info about European guilds. Can you site some of the sources you used to research this?

[@krishnanunnimadathil8142]

You may be on to something with the reasons for the Mauryan attack on Kalinga. Kalinga merchants were the leaders of Indian trade to SE Asia, and as proof of that, the local name for “Indians” in SE Asia is “Keling”, derived from “Kalinga”. A major port in modern Malaysia is also named “Port Klang”, derived again from the same “Keling”, with reference to the Indians who used to call on this port in the centuries prior. There is a whole annual water fest in Odisha called “Bali Jatra”, literally “Journey to Bali” which flags off the start of the sailing/merchant season in that place, which is celebrated to this day (even as there is no real trade, sad to say). It is interesting still further that the home of “The 500” is called “Ai-halli”, or “Home of the Ay” in Kannada, while the oldest ruling dynasty in Kerala, and in many ways the oldest surviving Hindu monarchy (as remarked in an old BBC documentary), is called “Ay-Manam”, or “House of the Ay” in Malayalam! Just who were “the Ay” and what was so special about them? Excellent work you!

[@OddCompass]

Fascinating info, thank you!

[@ekmalsukarno2302]

@@OddCompass Regarding the origin of the name Klang, I couldn't find any information that backs up the OP's claim that the name Klang originates from the word Keling. According to whatever information I could find, the name Klang originates from either the Khmer word 'klong', which means 'canal' or 'waterway', or from the Malay word 'kilang', which means 'warehouse' or 'factory'. Bear in mind, the port city of Klang gets its name from the Klang river, not the other way round. However, there are some mosques in Malaysia that bear the name Keling (or Kling), such as the Kapitan Keling Mosque in Penang, as well as the Kampung Kling and Tanjung Kling mosques in Malacca. This showcases the history of Indian Muslim communities in Southeast Asia, as well as the significant role played by Indians (more specifically Tamils) in spreading Islam to Southeast Asia.

[@krishnanunnimadathil8142]

@@ekmalsukarno2302 You can be sure that Islam was spread in SE Asia by Arab mariners themselves; or Arab mariners who had settled along the Indian coastal towns. They were known as the Lebbai and they are originally from the Levant/North Africa. They came on to the scene much after the decline of the old Indian mariners.

[@nithyaandanr241]

AY is the branch of Tamil Pandyan dynasty which also ruled Kerala They're also related to cheras

[@krishnanunnimadathil8142]

@@nithyaandanr241 Were they a branch or were they just a tributary state to the Pandyans? Had then been directly related, their name would have some version of “Pandyan”? Fascinating links anyways.

[@CapitalisticEmu]

A point you make in your video about sources of revenue for a royal Treasury is worth expanding on. In peninsular India, kings got significant $$ from trade. It made sense to cultivate good relationships with peoples from different countries / faiths to ensure trade wasn't disrupted. They did wage war - but that was mostly for port access and monopoly. Once they got access, it was in their best interest to cultivate good relationships and peace. In more central and northern India, trade formed a smaller part of $$ (until you hit the silk road) Agriculture taxes were critical. Conquest, therefore, was necessary to grow revenue. Lacking the need for peace (merchants usually prefer it as it leads to better biz) , they could treat conquered lands with contempt.The us-vs-them play was therefore predominant.

[@1231gsc]

One could include the Jagat Seths in this history.....there are interesting accounts of how they hired Robert Clive and his army to change the nawab Bengal...the plan backfired and formally introduced East India Company in the Indian political scenario.

[@sudipkumarroy3790]

It didnt backfire. U wouldnt have the India Renaissance etc without it. European colonialism >> Islamic Colonialism.

[@varun2250]

​@@sudipkumarroy3790except, Marathas were gaining back the civilization from the tyrants who started to come from 11 th century

[@1231gsc]

@@sudipkumarroy3790 I personally do not agree that colonisation was a necessary criterion for modernisation...it would have happened in its own time....even after years of Islamic invasions, India still was rich and the worst times of Islamic invasions were gone by then..also historically Indians have been very open to the outside world, exchange of ideas and exchange of knowledge.....so with that much wealth to spare for its own population, Indians would have adapted to the modern world in their own way/ in their own time....who knows, it could have happened earlier than 19th century.

[@mohitanand1844]

​@@varun2250Marathas had no idea of running an empire

[@mohitanand1844]

​@@1231gscgo away .live in a village and don't use a toilet

[@SalemColt]

Any book for further reading about this ? I'm really interested. I read a little about the Merchants guilds with W.Dalrymple but not enough!

[@heirofslytherin3890]

Ocean of churn by sanjeev sanyal

[@arcane3464]

Always educational and interesting topics.

[@NOXXYIUS]

You finally uploaded 🎉

[@Hmmlolwhat]

underated channel!!! need more people like you spreading facts and not brainrot what we see usually

[@abdulahadshabbir2618]

Very interesting topic and wonderful video. Thanks!

[@nicolaspinto76]

A lot of historical movies or series are about the same cultures, persons or episodes, when could take risk, investigate and try about this, a guilds of merchant ruling the Indian sea. Please, make more videos about this, i wanna know more about the 500, sound almost like a mafia but bigger. Sorry the bad english.

[@Musaafir-ln6feet]

Please upload often. We wait so logn for your videos.

[@keshavkk479]

Looks like kannadigas where prominents in establishing guilds. Rashtrakutas,kadambas and hoysalas and even 500s from aihole Karnataka controlled and influenced actions of cholas and South Indian politics for its gain. Lovely

[@Nitin-vq4yr]

So basically, the East India Company was a really extreme version of an Indian merchant guild.

[@SomalieDXB]

Interesting opinion. Food for thought!

[@siddarth3955]

Not really. They were merchant guilds of Europe. Even today it’s the capitalists who control the politics.

[@jinofhell]

Cholas were the first British, sometimes even more brutal in their conquests. And Bhuddism is the first Christianity in sending monks to spread it allover the world. should we even complain😂?

[@siddarth3955]

@@jinofhell the difference is Cholas actually developed the places they visited and didn’t just loot them. Buddhism also actually spread message of peace not fakery and later violence for not accepting their doctrine. Also Buddhism mostly spread in the back of Hindu conquest.

[@aakhthuu]

EIC regularly raised war funds from Indian guilds especially the ones from Tamil Nadu and Sindh

[@kuroazrem5376]

This channel is underrated.

[@sudhanvads]

really a great channel!

[@migspeculates]

Thanks to this video, I have more understanding towards the Chola invasion of Srivijaya and allies. The Cholas used to be portrayed as villains in many Southeast Asian narratives.

[@GaneshPalraj1991]

Cholas were not seen as villians , only to outsiders they were seen as villians.

[@migspeculates]

@@GaneshPalraj1991 Exactly, Southeast Asian cultures like Srivijaya, Chams and regional allies. They are "outsiders" from an Indian perspective

[@skmplanet9591]

The Chola, Chera and Pandya kingdoms together formed Chola empire and attacked Kalingans who were already established in Bali, Java, Sumatra for few centuries.

[@mlawlor472]

This is exactly the video I needed! I suspect Sumeria was also dominated by similar merchants!

[@friendeleven5711]

Please make video on Indian influence on Oman. Oman has more than 15% native Indian Y chromosome

[@vigneshbabur.v4620]

Been waiting for this video, since the live event. Let’s goo. I finally know the face behind this voice.

[@OddCompass]

Haha thanks for attending!

[@anushkagarg8823]

Hi! Can you explore the history of Kashmiri and Sindhi Hindu kings before the Islamic invasion. They are barely mentioned in our history books. Also a bit about Kashmiri Shaivism, and it’s influence

[@vishnuthakur9520]

You put in lots of efforts..i hope u r doing good financially.

[@percy5595]

Keep on the good work!

[@Dhansamruddhi]

Old Compass. Bro which state are you from?. I have seen so many of your videos. I have a lot of questions about you?. Please do a qna

[@me.arbaazkhatib]

I can see a brilliantly written political drama series written over multiple seasons.

[@Ragd0ll1337]

Hi! Where can I find your sources? I would like to read further on this topic!

[@sssun7]

There is a direct evidence thro inscription that how powerful these guilds are. From karavela's inscriptions in orissa and andhra we know how he suppressed and broke the tamil merchant guilds which became so powerful they started becoming a big threat to his authority. So YES these guild were so powerful and we are just getting know of things that were the prime movers of emipe building and opposite too 👍❤️

[@RajatkumarMandal-b5x]

Hello sir I am a big fan of yours youtube channel. I request u to make a video on Mahameghabahab aira kharab ela the Kalinga king who over threw the morya empire andre defeat north and south kingdom on her expedition .and also make video about Gajapati empire .

[@zangoloid]

hey, awesome video, could you share some of the sources you used? i wanna read more about this!

[@Contractor48]

Love it!

[@OddCompass]

Glad you enjoyed it! And thanks for the support!

[@Fablesbeyondtime555]

which tool do you use to make your videos? please tell me .

[@vishypai7554]

Amazing! This is not taught in the history books. It is the same today with corporate lobbying..Thank you.

[@rachmondhoward2125]

Good presentation. These merchant brotherhoods were religious-deities-mafia groups no different to the original mafia in Italy. Merchant is a composite word from Mars plus Chant (Chandra) as in enchanters that is magicians/sorcerers that later or alternatively were conceived of as shamans and still later as priests-royals or priests-kings, like the Pope in Rome.

[@indranibhattacharyaviiib6380]

Please make a video on Prithviraj Chauhan. He was a Rajput King and also the last Hindu King of India. Make the video on his life. Also, give a detailed account of his love life and his wars. I am Prithviraj Chauhan's big fan.

[@genovayork2468]

He wasn't the last Hindu king, boso! Go back to second grade lmfao!

[@ibrahimsuleiman8473]

Even with the bronze age collapse during the sea people attack,the Marchant survived the dark age .

[@hiimryan2388]

Well the sea people didn’t attack India lmao

[@ibrahimsuleiman8473]

@@hiimryan2388 I never said they did. Sea people only operate in the Mediterranean sea

[@hiimryan2388]

@@ibrahimsuleiman8473 then why else would the merchants die here then lol

[@ibrahimsuleiman8473]

@@hiimryan2388 Sorry what are you talking about.

[@hiimryan2388]

@@ibrahimsuleiman8473 “during the sea people attack, the merchant survived the dark age” yeah i wonder why caus they didn’t get attacked 😭🙏

[@CapitalisticEmu]

Loved the video ❤. This is fascinating! History textbooks in India (even from the 90s and 2000s) don't mention them. Also, anjuvannam literally means 5-colours in Tamil and is a guild comprising of western metchants from various countries & faiths along with Tamil merchants. The name makes that much more sense when seen through the lens of how diverse their membership was

[@NishanthSalahudeen]

there is also a theory that it is a variation of the Persian word "Hanjuvenah" which apparently meant a group or community.. If the trade was with middleeast, it is very much plausible that there was a group atleast started off as a middle earstern group with this name and later flourish to include all kinds of people"

[@shivag4726]

How do gou make these videos, i want to learn about this!

[@srikanthmajor]

Amazing as usual. Any references for these please. Would really be grateful

[@ShubhamMishrabro]

Bro just like you made a video on ahoms i want similar videos on kushans,kalingas,gurjara parthihara. In future if possible please try it

[@MIRAAJMUHAMMAD_666]

Good information

[@takenbythewindNdrivenbythesea]

My Gosh, this is so incredible ❤❤❤❤❤

[@kraut1982]

Interesting video 👌It would be more effective if you mentioned more quotes and original sources. Also the whole video went without mentioning what guilds were called in Indian languages either Tamil, Prakrit, Pali or Sanskrit.